Peace is panacea for national development – Ambode   

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State says for any meaningful development to occur either at the national or regional level, the different ethnic constituents must embrace peaceful co-existence.

Ambode stated this position Monday, when he received at the Lagos House, Ikeja, the Olu of Warri, Godfrey Ikenwoli Emiko and members of his council.

According to Ambode, the quantum of development, which the nation would experience in a harmonious and peaceful environment, cannot be underestimated, and therefore all hands must be on deck to promote peace.

Going historical, the governor recalled that the story of the Yoruba nation would not be complete without reference to the Itsekiri nation, and as such, both tribes must jealously guard and improve on their historical relationship.

Ambode, who congratulated King Emiko on his ascension as Olu of Warri, expressed confidence in the monarch’s ability to turn around the fortunes of Warri for good as he had been doing before his coronation as king.

Governor Ambode also assured the monarch of the strong commitment of his administration to the welfare of the Itsekiris in Lagos.

“We believe so much in him (King Emiko) and his community; we believe just the way he has said that we are brothers and that anything that concerns the Warri community is the concern of the Yoruba community. And like he rightly said, this visit once again emphasised the need for all of us to foster peace and harmonious relationship together.

“We are strongly committed to the needs of the people of Itsekiri land because we know that by history, the coming of Olu of Warri to Lagos from Ile-Ife is significant to show the Yoruba hegemony that we have always wanted and we will continue to preach about,” the governor said.

Earlier, King Emiko said he was happy to be at the Lagos House because his visit was a home coming experience for him, and thanked Ambode for identifying with the people of Warri during the mourning period of the late monarch and during his coronation service three months ago.

He said: “I came in from Ile-Ife to this place and the way the Ooni of Ife received myself and my entourage confirmed the fact that we are from the same heritage. As a matter of fact, I had the honour to first receive and bless his new wife and when I got to the palace of Oba of Lagos this morning, the reception too was like homecoming.

“The Oba of Lagos left his throne and sat with me and this is just a confirmation that we are brothers that must not be separated. I’m happy sitting with the Governor as a member of the same family.

“My appeal is that we are part of you, not minding the geographical distance. There are lots of Itsekiris in Lagos and there are lots of Yorubas in Warri. I want such relationship to continue and pray that we should sustain it,” the monarch said.